The Sweet Love of Football and Homecoming

Well, here it is in all its glory...the beloved and adored homecoming mum. Cheaply made but highly overpriced ribbons and plastic charms...but yet we (as school aged girls) cherish them so. I have to say that once they are put together, if done right, they turn out quite gorgeous (that may just be the southern girl coming out in me). Can you believe that one of these beauties has a proud price tag of about $120!!! It is well worth it considering how proud it makes a young girl feel.

I do have to say that I have had this finished now for about a week but I have become so busy I have neglected my precious blog. I do feel that I must let you know what my crazy life consists of so maybe I will get some sympathy from somebody ; ) I am of course still working full time (how can you not in today's times), I am taking violin lessons weekly, my husband and I are taking dance lessons (country dance for those who are curious), and I am now officially working on my bachelor degree. I have decided to take only one class this semester...good thing because there is enough work involved to make up for a full time college schedule!!! On top of all that mess we are trying to buy our first home. I have to say...trying to find the right home for the right price is a major stressor!!! OH BOY...I am going to be doing a lot of preying this semester...I am already feeling a little overloaded and it has just only begun. But, enough complaining and carrying on...now that I have it out you won't hear it again.

It's That Time of Year, Already!!!

Cooler weather, leaves changing, children back in school, and football...autumn is almost upon us and I am so ready. I love the change of season, especially this one. There is nothing like a crisp cool Friday night football game. Speaking of football, I have decided to make a homecoming mum for my brother to give to his girlfriend. What an interesting southern tradition of having one football game dedicated to giving your date a huge corsage of ribbons, plastic charms, and cowbells. This is every southern girl's dream...and the bigger the better!!! I can't wait to get started on making this one; I just need a few more things before I can get going. I will post a picture as soon as I am done.

Digging Up the Past

So, I made this for my sweet mommy for mother's day and failed to post it on my blog!!! I was so excited to give it to her I never took pictures to post it. Well, now I have and here it is. It is a great sewing organizer that goes under your machine. It has pockets and a tape measure (I can't tell you how many times I am at my sewing machine and have to get up to get my tape measure...it is so annoying). I also made a cute pin cushion that acts as a caddy that will hold your sewing essentials such as scissors, seam rippers, etc. My mom loves to sew too but always says she has no motivation. I thought maybe this would give her a little. She says she loves it and it makes easier access to everything she needs. This also makes a great gift for any seamstress. I will post it on my etsy site for anyone who might be interested.

Back From Boston

Paul Revere's House



















The Old City Hall













This was a cool looking building. It looks as if it is going to crumble into the water at any minute.











Well, I have been back from Boston for almost a week now and I am still completely exhausted!!! What a beautiful city that is so rich in history. You would have to spend days upon weeks in order to cover it all. We went by Paul Revere's magnificent house. I absolutely love old homes and this one takes the cake of them all. We were also able to see things such as the building where Ben Franklin was Baptized, Samuel Adams grave, the first school built in the 1600s, and the list goes on and on. This city is for sure a great vacation spot for the history buff. On top of site seeing we caught The Blue Man Group and Jersey Boys. Both were awesome. Although I had lots of fun I am grateful to be back home.

A Fun and Fast Sunday Project

My Sunday afternoon has been spent making this super cute tote bag. I am going out of state to Boston on Wednesday and decided that I just had to have one to carry my things on the plane. After going through my fabric stash I came up with black and white polka dot and a pretty pink. The pictures don't show the pink very well but it is a lot darker than the pictures lead you to believe. I can't wait to carry it out to see what everyone else thinks. Hope you all had a great weekend!

I have decided to bring on a new hobby

I have to say that I have always wanted to knit but just haven't ever gone any further than just thinking about it. Well, today that thought grew into an extreme interest and desire. I don't really have much time to take an actual class so I have decided to try to teach myself. I basically taught myself how to sew; I think I can do the same with knitting (at least I hope I can). Please let me know if any of you have any pointers, recommended books, or websites. And of course, wish me luck!!!

Help me pick a pattern

I am sooooo indecisive on what pattern to use for my "burberry" bag I'm going to make (remember I have found some burberry look alike fabric and instead of buying a $1,000+ bag I'm just going to make my own). I need your opinion to help me make my decision. I think that I am so concerned with it being perfect that I am having a super hard time. Following are some pictures with my comments on each one. Let me know which you like the best...or if there are any other patterns you know of that would be better please make a suggestion.

First of all, here is a picture of a burberry purse so you can get an idea of what type of fabric I am talking about.



Bag #1



















This bag is very cute. My concern is that it is going to be way too small. One positive is that the pattern calls for a real leather handle. The finished size is 11.5" wide by 7" high. I would have the outside fabric be burberry, the inside fabric red, and the leather handle in black.





Bag #2

This purse is another cute one. My sister seemed to think it was too beach bag like. My plan was to make the outside burberry fabric, inside red fabric, and the handle and side ties in black leather. The finished size of this bag is 27.5" wide by 12" high by 7.5" deep. I would consider making the handles a little shorter...I like my purses to fit under my arm.

Bag #3

And again, another cute one. I am afraid this one my be way to big. Although it is so flattering. The finished size is 28" tall (including handles) and 18" wide. Same thought as far as layout goes: burberry outside, red inside, and black leather for the top/handles.

Bag #4

These bags may be my least favorites. If I did one of these it would probably be style B. I am a little unsure how I would layout the fabrics on this one. If you like this one give me some ideas.

Bag #5

Out of these bags I like the ones on the right side. I have seen the bottom right one made out of fabric that looks similar to burberry and the top/handles were made out of black and white polka dot fabric. I do like it but not as crazy about it as some of the others.


Bag #6

I have to say that I love love love this bag (the one on the left...style B). I think it is way cute. My question is...would it look good with burberry fabric? I think it would. I love these sack/slouchy looking bags.

Well, let me know what you think. As I said, if you have any other patterns in mind, please do let me know. I like the sack/slouchy bags and this last one is the closest I could find....if you know of any other patterns like this let me know. Thanks so much for your help. I hope you have fun helping me decide. I do have one other pattern in mind but my camera is on the fritz. It is a hobo like bag and pretty cute too.